Advanced protein design for enhanced taste engineering
Weekend Bio Inc offers a cutting-edge platform for engineering sweet proteins using AI and a "tongue in the loop" system, enhancing sweetness profiles and enabling significant sugar reduction in food and beverages.
Overview
Tomorrow Inc has developed an innovative platform for the design and engineering of sweet proteins, leveraging its proprietary "tongue in the loop" system. This cutting-edge technology refines protein sequences to enhance sensory properties such as taste and aftertaste, while also improving potency and thermostability. The system utilizes AI models trained on data from synthetic tongue cell lines and human sensory analysis, allowing for precise mapping of protein sequence to taste profile. This technology can significantly reduce sugar content in various food and beverage applications without compromising taste.
Technical specifications
- Tongue in the loop system: A high throughput platform that simulates human taste perception to optimize sweet protein sequences.
- AI-driven refinement: Utilizes AI models to map protein sequences to desired taste profiles, reducing sweetness linger and aftertaste.
- GRAS approved blends: Ready-to-use blends that enable immediate sugar reduction with minimal sensory impact.
- Collaborative production: In partnership with Change Bio in the UK, capable of producing ~1 g scale quantities of engineered proteins for testing in various formulations.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in relevant environments. Current efforts focus on further refinement and validation in real-world food and beverage matrices, allowing for broader application and commercialization.
About Tomorrow Inc.
Tomorrow Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on food science, specifically the development of flavor proteins designed to mimic the taste of sugar. The company utilizes proprietary technology to create these flavor proteins, which are intended to be integrated into beverages and food products. By incorporating these proteins, the company aims to offer healthier alternatives to traditional sugary items, allowing consumers to experience the flavors of indulgent snacks and drinks without the associated unhealthy ingredients. The organization is co-founded by a biochemist and a creative professional who are working to advance food technology through the use of protein-based flavor solutions.
This approach is significant for consumers seeking to maintain a healthy diet while still enjoying sweet treats. By replacing standard sweeteners with their flavor protein blends, such as WeekendSweet, the company provides products that aim to offer a similar sensory experience to conventional junk food while supporting consumer wellness goals. The company has engaged with customers through offerings such as limited-edition soda products and research and development initiatives, demonstrating its practical application in the consumer goods market. Their work addresses the growing demand for food and drink options that balance taste with health-conscious ingredients.
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